Speeding Accidents

Holding negligent drivers responsible

Speeding is the cause of many car wrecks throughout West Virginia, and leaves many people killed and injured. If you have been harmed by a speeding driver, the Charleston car accident lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC will fight to hold that driver accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.

Generally speaking, "speeding" refers to:

Driving faster than the posted speed limit - In most urban areas of West Virginia, the posted speed limit will be 35 mph. The speed limit on most rural highways is 55 mph, while the interstate speed limits are set at 65 mph.

Driving too fast for road and weather conditions - Even though a driver is going at or below the posted speed limit, the driver may still be traveling too fast through a curve or through rainy, foggy, snowy or icy weather.

In either situation, a driver is engaged in unsafe conduct that puts others at risk. This is negligence. Depending on how fast the driver is going, it may be considered gross negligence. When a driver is speeding, that person may lose control of the vehicle or may be unable to brake in time to avoid a collision.

Additionally, when a car accident occurs at a high speed, devastating injuries can result due to the force of the impact. These injuries can include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage. Frequently, the injuries suffered in a speed-related crash prove to be fatal.

Our law firm can help victims of speeding accidents recover

A driver who speeds may be acting with a completely reckless disregard for the safety of others. For this reason, if you are injured in a crash caused by a driver's speeding, you can and should take legal action to hold that driver legally responsible for any injuries you may have suffered.

Our attorneys have many years of experience handling West Virginia motor vehicle accident claims. We know what evidence can be relied on to establish that a driver was speeding. This evidence includes extended skid marks, vehicle damage indicating the force of impact, witness statements, electronic data recorder ("black box") data and surveillance camera footage.

In addition, our law firm works with highly qualified accident reconstruction specialists and engineers. They can help us to determine the role a driver's speeding played in your crash and allow us to present a strong case for your financial recovery.

The damages you may see after being injured by a speeding driver include past and future medical expenses, lost income and decreased future earning ability, pain and suffering and loss of consortium. Take action to recover the compensation you need. If you were hurt in an accident with a speeding driver in Charleston or elsewhere in West Virginia, contact us today for a free consultation. Learn more about how we can help with your case.